Panic-buying has kicked up a gear as desperate shoppers emptied shelves of essentials today in anticipation of self-isolating – but Corona beer didn’t make the cut.

Other branded beers appeared to be selling out but the Mexican lager, whose name bears an unfortunate resemblance to the virus behind Covid-19, was well-stocked in a London supermarket.

Desperate shoppers have been snapping up essentials as the number of confirmed cases in the UK soared to 1,372 and the death toll stands at 35.

A large Tesco store in south-east London was cleared of toilet paper before the tills even opened on Sunday morning. Footage shared on social media of huge checkout queues at supermarkets across the country show the scale of Britons’ panic.

Some chains have limited the number of items per customer, but tensions have continued to break out between shoppers as stocks run short.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the government could ‘take further measures’ if irresponsible stockpiling continues.

Asked on Sky News whetherfood supplies might be at risk, Mr Hancock said: ‘No, one of the things we areconfident about is that the food supply will continue.’

When asked if he could guarantee that food supplies wouldn’t be disrupted, he said: ‘Well we are confident about it. What I can guarantee is we will work with the supermarkets to ensure that people get enough.’

‘I understand why peoplemight be stocking up but people have got to behave responsibly.

‘Supermarkets are right to write the letter calling on people to be responsible and to consider the impact their stocking up might have on others.

‘And of course we standready to take further measures if that’s necessary.’

The British Retail Consortium, which represents supermarket groups, said retailers had come together to write to their customers, calling on them to be considerate in the way they shop.

It also issued a statement reassuring consumers but calling on them to ‘work together’ to ensure food supplies continue.

It said: ‘We know that many of you are worried about the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). We want to let you know that we are doing everything we can so that you and your families have the food and essentials you need.’

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